NW Cannabis Zone

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Alison Holcomb on I-502 and Home Grow

Personal cultivation by adults absolutely is in the spirit of the new approach envisioned by the drafters and sponsors of I-502. The primary motivation for putting I-502 on the ballot was to end the criminalization of cannabis use, growing, and provision, and begin moving us in a new, public health-focused direction. Prohibiting adults from cultivating their own cannabis for personal use is inconsistent with that overarching goal.

When we began drafting I-502 in December 2010, California’s Proposition 19 had just failed at the ballot, and we were particularly sensitive to voter attitudes on policy details. Our polling indicated that Washington voters were significantly uncomfortable with home growing at that time. When asked whether “Allowing adults to grow marijuana at home and share small amounts with other adults” made them more or less comfortable with legalization, the data suggested including this provision could dangerously undermine chances of passage: